CVE-2025-20696 is a security vulnerability identified in multiple MediaTek SoCs (System on Chips), including MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6781, MT6789, MT6813, MT6833, MT6835, MT6853, MT6855, MT6877, MT6878, MT6879, MT6883, MT6885, MT6886, MT6889, MT6893, MT6895, MT6897, MT6899, MT6983, MT6985, MT6989, MT6990, MT6991, MT8188, MT8196, MT8370, MT8390, and MT8676. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-787, an out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check in the DA (Download Agent) component. This flaw allows an attacker with physical access to the device to perform a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges. Exploitation requires user interaction, which could mean the victim must perform some action such as connecting the device to a malicious host or running a crafted payload. The affected software versions include Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, and several embedded operating systems like openWRT 21.02 and 23.05, Yocto 4.0, RDK-B 24Q1, and Zephyr 3.7.0, indicating a broad impact across mobile and embedded devices using these MediaTek chips. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation leading to memory corruption, which can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory regions, potentially allowing privilege escalation. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vendor has acknowledged the issue with patch ID ALPS09915215 and issue ID MSV-3801, though no direct patch links are provided in the data. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a local attack vector requiring physical device access and user interaction, limiting remote exploitation but posing a significant risk in scenarios where devices can be physically accessed by attackers.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to devices and embedded systems using the affected MediaTek chipsets. This includes smartphones running Android versions 13 to 15, as well as IoT devices, routers, and other embedded systems running openWRT, Yocto, RDK-B, or Zephyr OS that incorporate these chipsets. The impact centers on local privilege escalation, which could allow an attacker with physical access to bypass security controls, gain higher privileges, and potentially extract sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disrupt device functionality. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high-value or sensitive data such as government, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, and enterprises deploying IoT devices. The requirement for physical access and user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread remote exploitation but increases risk in environments where devices are accessible to insiders or attackers with temporary physical access. Additionally, the broad range of affected chipsets and OS versions means many devices in use across Europe could be vulnerable if not patched. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests the threat is currently theoretical but could be weaponized in the future, especially as attackers develop techniques to automate or socially engineer user interaction.

1. Immediate patching: Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches once available, specifically the patch referenced by ALPS09915215. Coordination with device manufacturers and vendors is essential to obtain and deploy updates. 2. Physical security controls: Enhance physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices, especially in sensitive environments. This includes secure storage, access controls, and monitoring. 3. User awareness and training: Educate users about the risks of connecting devices to untrusted hosts or executing unknown payloads, reducing the chance of user interaction enabling exploitation. 4. Device inventory and risk assessment: Identify all devices using affected MediaTek chipsets and assess their exposure risk, focusing on those in critical roles or with high physical access risk. 5. Endpoint protection: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous privilege escalation attempts or memory corruption behaviors on affected devices. 6. Network segmentation: Isolate vulnerable devices within segmented network zones to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 7. Monitor for updates from MediaTek and security advisories to apply patches promptly and track emerging exploit reports.